1947 — Apr 2, Explosion and fire, Lawrence Brown Fireworks Plant, Clinton, MO — 12
— 12 Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. “12 Dead, Three Injured in Clinton Explosion…” 4-3-1947.
— 12 National Fire Protection Assoc. Spreadsheet on Large Loss of Life Fires (as of Feb 2003).
Narrative Information
April 2, AP: “Clinton, MO. – (AP) – An undetermined number of persons were reported trapped today in an explosion and fire at the Brown factory, a fireworks plant here. Estimates of residents were that about 20 persons were employed in the plant. All available fire-fighting equipment was rushed to the plant, which is located about a half a mile east of the downtown district.” (Maryville Daily Forum, MO. “Bulletin,” 4-2-1047, p. 1.)
April 3, AP: “Clinton, Mo., April 3 (AP) — Twelve persons lost their lives and three others were injured as the result of an explosion and fire which yesterday swept through a fireworks manufacturing plant. Seven men and three women, all between the ages of 50 and 70, were killed in attempting to flee from the one-story frame building where toy buzz bombs were being manufactured. Two other women died early today. Of the three on the injured list, one remained in a critical condition. Thirteen other persons in the plant escaped.
The dead:
- C. Herst, 62.
Roy Burnsides, 62.
Frank Chanslor, 58.
- S. Moyer, 70.
Mrs. Edna Moyer, 54, wife of J. S. Moyer.
George C. Tally, 60.
Mrs. Lillian Shepard, 55.
Lydia Crockett, 50.
- H. Belton, 59.
Harry L. Pogue, 67.
Mrs. Morton Johnson, 51.
Mrs. Hazel Shepard, 28, daughter-in-law of Mrs. Lillian Shepard.
“Cause of the blast was not known. Kelso Journey, prosecuting attorney and acting county coroner, said after an inquest that he planned no further investigation. “In view of the evidence, I can find no criminal neglect,” he said. L. W. Brown, who operated the plant, could give no explanation for the tragedy. He said the powder supply in the plant was kept below 100 pounds at all times.
“The bodies, burned almost beyond recognition, were taken to the city hall, where relatives came to make the identification. Some of the victims were so badly burned identification was only possible through rings and other personal effects or through teeth….” (Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. “12 Dead, Three Injured in Clinton Explosion and Fire.” 4-3-1947, pp. 1 & 4.)
Sources
Maryville Daily Forum, MO. “Bulletin,” 4-2-1947, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=9795300&sterm=fireworks+explosion
Moberly Monitor-Index, MO. “12 Dead, Three Injured in Clinton Explosion and Fire.” 4-3-1947, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=76629454&sterm=fireworks
National Fire Protection Association. Spreadsheet on Large Loss of Life Fires (as of Feb 2003). (Email attachment to B. W. Blanchard from Jacob Ratliff, NFPA Archivist/Taxonomy Librarian, 7-8-2013.)